SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has joined forces with Stellantis India to accelerate research and development in electric vehicles (EVs) and provide enhanced engineering education. The partnership, which was announced on Tuesday in Chennai, sees Stellantis contribute two Citroën ë-C3 electric vehicles to SRMIST’s Centre for Electrical Mobility.
These vehicles will serve as hands-on research tools for students and faculty, allowing them to test systems, diagnose issues, and fine-tune performance. This real-world experience aims to complement the theoretical aspects of their education, giving them direct exposure to EVs in production.
“At the Centre for Electric Mobility, we are building a national platform that blends innovation, skill-building, and industry-relevant learning,” said Dr Bharatiraja Chokkalingam, head of the centre. The facility is supported by a grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) through the PURSE program, which backs SRMIST’s research into electric and autonomous vehicles.
The collaboration goes beyond just vehicle provision. It includes technical workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions, where Stellantis experts will engage with SRMIST faculty to align academic training with the practical needs of the automotive industry. This effort also focuses on developing future-ready engineers capable of advancing the EV sector.
Ashwin Kaundinya from Stellantis India emphasized that the collaboration supports the company’s sustainability goals, while Sriram Venkataramanan noted that the partnership will help bridge the gap between research and the production of ready-to-market electric vehicle systems.
The Centre for Electrical Mobility, launched in 2022 with an investment of Rs. 20 crore from SRMIST and the Department of Science and Technology, is housed in a 28,000 square-foot facility. It specializes in developing, testing, and validating essential EV components such as motors, controllers, batteries, and charging infrastructure.
SRMIST holds an A++ accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council and ranks 12th in the 2024 National Institutional Ranking Framework. The university boasts over 500 labs and has secured more than Rs. 270 crore in research funding across 600 projects. The collaboration between SRMIST and Stellantis aims to prepare engineers for India’s shift towards sustainable mobility while advancing the development of electric vehicle technologies through a strong academic-industry partnership.
Stellantis NV is a global automotive group that brings together a diverse set of iconic brands. Its commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility is aimed at offering freedom of movement while delivering value to stakeholders around the world.
